Inside the makeshift meeting room constructed by the Verdant Wardens, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The room itself was a marvel of natural architecture—a circular space with walls woven from living vines and roots, interspersed with glowing flowers that bathed the room in a soft, ambient light.
In the center of the room was an open space, the floor covered in a lush, velvety moss that added to the serene, yet commanding atmosphere.
At the heart of the room sat Canna, his presence commanding attention. His chair, unlike any other in the room, was a masterpiece crafted by the Verdant Wardens themselves. Made from the finest Heartwood, it was adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and nature intertwining, symbolizing the harmony he sought to bring to his domain.
The back of the chair arched high, crowned with leaves and vines that seemed to pulse with a gentle light, reflecting his position as the leader of the sanctuary. The armrests were shaped like dragon talons, gripping the edges of the seat, and the cushion was a deep emerald green, offering both comfort and a regal air.
To his right sat his most trusted subordinates: Mortem, the enigmatic necromancer cloaked in shadows; Vorgrim, the towering red-skinned orc with a greatsword at his side; Flora, the serene yet powerful Verdant Warden who had sworn loyalty to Canna; and Grimruk, the imposing black orc whose presence alone could silence a room.
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Each of them exuded an aura of power and loyalty, their expressions reflecting their readiness to serve.
On Canna's left sat Kael, the former head of logistics from Avaloria, whose sharp mind and noble demeanor added a strategic edge to the group. Beside him were Vorak, the formidable barbarian chieftain, and Liora, his wife and the mother of Tiberius. The rest of the seats were occupied by the Verdant Warden elders, their gazes steady and watchful.
Canna's voice cut through the silence, calm yet authoritative. "I don't intend to make this long. Grimruk, bring the rot here."
The Verdant Wardens, usually so composed, murmured in agreement. Flora's eyes were narrowed, her anger barely contained as she stared at the prisoners. Mortem's gaze was dark, his thoughts hidden behind his shadowed visage.
Canna's eyes swept over the room, gauging the reactions of his allies. The decision before him was not one to be taken lightly, but the resolve in his heart was clear. These men, and those like them, would not escape justice.
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After an hour of intense discussion and deliberation, the meeting reached a unanimous consensus: Canna would travel to the Kingdom of Arenthia after securing Stormtusk's herd. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone present, especially as the details of the nobles' corruption came to light.
The thought of what might be happening within the kingdom, given the deplorable actions of its nobles, stirred a deep sense of urgency within Canna.
As the meeting concluded, Canna stood at the center of the room, his mind racing with possibilities and strategies. The fate of the prisoners, who now sat trembling at the center of the meeting room, was the next matter to address. Canna's gaze shifted to them, his expression hardening as he contemplated their punishment.
But before he could decide, a deafening roar echoed through the sanctuary, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
The roar was so powerful that it caused everyone in the meeting to stand up in alarm, their eyes darting towards the entrance of the room. The Verdant Wardens' eyes widened in surprise, while the barbarians instinctively reached for their weapons. Even Canna's trusted subordinates, hardened as they were, tensed at the sound.
But Canna didn't flinch. Instead, a smile spread across his face, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes as he looked down at the prisoners who now cowered in fear. "Looks like my little Stormbringer is awake," Canna said, his voice low and menacing, yet filled with a certain pride. "Perfect timing indeed."
The prisoners, already terrified, began to tremble even more at the mention of the creature's name.